I knew my topic from the very beginning, but I did not know which form to present my unessay. My original ideas were frequently asked question format, article or letter. Still unsure of my presentation I wrote my first draft in article form. When I was discussing my options with Maddie during peer review, she suggested that my unessay would be powerful in letter form. She said that wouldn’t need to change much to make transition. I completely agreed with her suggestion, and formatted my second draft as a letter instead of an article. Switching to letter form made the audience switch from just anyone to a person who had the power to implement the solution I suggested. Another change I made on my second draft was discussing in further details the why not having gender-neutral bathrooms were an issue especially in schools. While meeting with Professor Reed to discuss my draft, she suggested I expand the significance of gender-neutral bathrooms in schools. My first draft lacked connection between education and gender-neutral bathrooms. The addition of this connection in the second draft made my letter more powerful, and purposeful.
During the process of writing my unessay I had some questions regarding this specific draft, and the writing process in general. I wrote my draft to the Secretary of Education; is my draft tailored to a person of such power, if not what adjustments could I make? Another question I have is how do I make future pieces engaging for all readers in matter the format? By all readers I mean people of all races, gender, political parities, and faiths engaged. The final question I have is do all of my paragraphs hold purpose and develop my point?
I am pleased that I wrote about a topic that I am passionate about instead of something easy. I pushed myself to strongly develop a topic that is considered more controversial, and that was different than my peer’s topics. I believe that I shine in creating engaging pieces of writing and this letter is no exception. My introduction captures the reader attention even though it is in letter form. I believe that my letter can be truly influential to my audience. Another placed where I shined is the over all development of the issues, and the solution. I described the issue with great detail which made the solution seem necessary. Over all, this is one of my better pieces of writing. Normally, I write for a grade, but in this piece I wrote because I cared about my topic. My passion for the the topic translated into my writing and effort I put into the unessay.
-Regina Ballew